Hardscape Growth

Lights add an extra element to hardscaping. They help create a beautiful, inviting, comfortable space. And they’re easier to install than you might think.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Rob Redden, VP at in-lite Design Corporation, about using landscape lighting in your hardscape business to increase revenue.  We also talked about:  What everyone gets wrong about lighting.  Why some hardscapers shy away from lighting.  How much a standard entry level light package costs.  The best way to go about installing lighting for the first time.  Resources Discussed:  Hardscaper Course https://hardscaper.com/courses/landscape-lighting/.  Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Connect with Robb on LinkedIn. Learn more about landscape lighting through our online course

Outdoor living products and technology have evolved in the last few years. They now allow homeowners to make their outdoor living spaces smarter, cleaner, more efficient, and better for the environment. That new technology allows hardscapers to design fresh ideas to create spaces that customers love living in.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Matt Daly, Outdoor Living Design Consultant at Water & Earth Landscape Design, about how he found his niche in landscape design, and how he’s been able to partner with contractors to grow his design-only company.  We also talked about:  Why 3D Design early in the sales cycle is overrated.  Why you should tell clients what they DON’T want to hear. How Matt filters out bad leads.  How easy, important, and impactful blogging is for your marketing performance.  How to use technology like Zoom to increase productivity and expand your team intelligently.  Additional related resources:  Techo-Bloc Designer’s Toolbox with updated hatches and textures for 2D and 3D designs  Typeform.com is how Matt created his pre-qualification form for his website  Tune in to Hardscape Growth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Connect with Matt on LinkedIn or Instagram.

So much of professional success is dependent on personal growth.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Matt Hiner, Owner of Hiner Outdoor Living, about goal-setting, mindsets, empowerment, and leadership.  We also talked about:  How he grew his social presence and sales using Instagram  How he sets and enforces core values  How he doubled his business by shifting his mindset  Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Connect with Matt on LinkedIn or Instagram.

It’s proven time and time again that one of the easiest ways to add value to your projects and your company is to include fire features. Plus, fire features are in high demand; they’re the number one outdoor living aspect that people search for online.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Art Kunkle, VP of Sales at Warming Trends, about fire features in the outdoor industry and how they can benefit your hardscaping business.  We also talked about:  How to show customers fire feature ROI.  How to install a fire feature and challenges to consider.  How to gauge the volume of fuel for a fire feature.  How to know what vents and ignition to use.  Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Connect with Art on LinkedIn or email. Learn more at Techo Bloc’s educational site or in our support manual.

We’re being joined by Tony Zambito, Owner at Zamco Group, to drill down into how hardscape companies can add more value for customers and ultimately improve their bottom line.  In our discussion we:  Bust through myths about competitive pricing and differentiation  Encourage you to think beyond the product, to a package- or experience-oriented value proposition  Link years of field experience with sensible design approach  Highlight the value and importance of a strong professional network  Focus on the role that your physical office space can play in your customer experience strategy  Resources we mention include:  Zamco Group website  Zamco Group Instagram  Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.

People are your most valuable resource. When your people understand, believe, and support that, your company will only see greater success. Building an   environment that empowers and encourages your people to do their best work…that’s where the magic happens.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Jordan Daneker, Co-Owner of Evolve Design Build LLC, about the role company culture plays in your company’s success.  We also talked about:  How leadership requires honesty and vulnerability.  The importance of building a strong team.  Your brand and the role it plays in your productivity.  How to create a healthy working relationship with your team.  Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Connect with Jordan on Instagram or email.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.

In this industry, attracting and retaining staff can be competitive. One way to attract good people to your company and keep them is to make safety a top   priority.  In today’s episode, we’re tapping into 30+ years of industry experience as Mike Pennington, the founder of Paver King Enterprises, joins the podcast to talk about how focusing on safety shows your people you care and ultimately improves your business.  What we talked about:  How the industry has gotten safer over the years  Improving productivity and employee retention by focusing on safety  Making funding safety initiatives a priority Some resources we mentioned during the podcast: Follow Mike on Instagram   Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.

As we think back on 2020 and get into the thick of 2021, one theme that comes up again and again is that of efficiency. If we want to capitalize on demand, we   have to get as many projects done as profitably as possible. We need to have a plan for increased productivity.  On this episode of Hardscape Growth, I talk with Josh Bahler, Operations Manager at Bahler Brothers Construction, about his strategies and tactics for a more efficient workforce.  We also talked about:  His bonus program and why it works.  Software he uses for management.  How he determines what tasks to prioritize.  How he implements new techniques and tools.  How he makes efficiency and productivity a focal point.  Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.

Think you can’t charge a premium for your work? Think again. In this episode, we sat down with Richard Carroll, owner of RC Outdoor, to discuss how finding   your niche and creating unique designs can attract new customers, intimidate competitors, and bring elevated value to your work.  Some topics we covered:    Creating a niche that allows him to charge a premium and do fewer jobs a year    Creating and selling designs so ambitious that few competitors are willing to undertake them  How circles set his designs apart and how he developed that style  Why confidently charging what you’re worth helps you and the industry    Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.

You can’t accomplish anything worthwhile without taking risks. In this world, it’s the innovators and the risk-takers who come out on top. After only two years in business, Alex Mewshaw and Daniel Hoff, from Oasis Landscape Group, have accomplished more than many who have been in the game for far longer. In this episode, they stop by to share some things they’ve learned about growing and scaling a company and pushing past their comfort zone.  What we talked about:  Taking the risk of investing in shiny new equipment  How a polished brand attracts potential clients AND top talent  Why free consultations are bogus  Taking the leap and tackling something you’ve never done  How joining private Facebook groups helps your business grow  Check out: Oasis Landscape Group on Instagram Alex’s YouTube channel  Find this interview and many more by subscribing to Hardscape Growth on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, or on our website.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Hardscape Growth in your favorite podcast player.